Commercial Backup Generator Installation in Santa Monica
We handle everything—load studies, sizing, fuel strategy, acoustic control, permitting with the City of Santa Monica, and seamless cutover—so you get a reliable, compliant solution with minimal downtime. Our coastal-grade materials and smart controls withstand salt air, integrate with solar, and protect critical systems like POS, refrigeration, security, elevators, and IT rooms.
Our Work



Benefits
Commercial Backup Generator Installation in Santa Monica
We handle everything—load studies, sizing, fuel strategy, acoustic control, permitting with the City of Santa Monica, and seamless cutover—so you get a reliable, compliant solution with minimal downtime. Our coastal-grade materials and smart controls withstand salt air, integrate with solar, and protect critical systems like POS, refrigeration, security, elevators, and IT rooms.
Smart, future‑ready power
We design scalable systems that integrate with your existing infrastructure and future upgrades. Our solutions support closed-transition or open-transition UL 1008 transfer switches, remote monitoring, and load-shed controls. We can interface with building automation via BACnet/Modbus, integrate with solar PV and battery storage through microgrid controllers, and deploy paralleling switchgear for redundancy or growth. Cellular telemetry provides real-time alerts, run-hour logs, and automated exercise to ensure your generator is ready when you need it.
Permits and compliance
Shaffer Construction manages all permitting and code compliance, including City of Santa Monica Building and Safety submittals, SCE utility coordination, and SCAQMD requirements for stationary engines. Designs follow the California Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 110 for emergency and standby power, the California Building Code for seismic anchorage, and the California Fire Code for fuel systems. We also address Santa Monica’s noise ordinance and any Local Coastal Program considerations, providing stamped drawings and submittals for a smooth approval.
Quality you can trust
We use UL 2200-certified generators, copper THHN/THWN-2 conductors, epoxy-coated or PVC-coated rigid conduit for coastal protection, and 316 stainless or hot-dipped galvanized hardware. Concrete housekeeping pads include seismic anchorage per engineered calculations with ICC-ES approved fasteners. Sound-attenuated enclosures with critical-grade silencers meet local noise limits. Every installation is completed by licensed electricians following NFPA 70E safety protocols and undergoes full functional testing and documentation.
What We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence the installation timeline for a commercial backup generator in Santa Monica?+
Installation timelines for commercial backup generators in Santa Monica vary based on several key factors: your facility's electrical capacity, the generator size needed for your operations, and local permitting requirements. Smaller installations may be completed within a few business days, while larger or more complex systems can take two to three weeks. Our team conducts a thorough site assessment upfront to provide you with a realistic timeline. We coordinate all aspects, from equipment delivery to final testing, ensuring minimal disruption to your Santa Monica business operations.
Why is a backup generator critical for Santa Monica commercial properties, and what types of businesses benefit most?+
Santa Monica businesses face unique power reliability challenges, from coastal weather events to grid strain during peak demand periods. Backup generators are essential for restaurants protecting perishable inventory, medical offices maintaining patient care, retail stores preventing sales disruptions, and data centers ensuring continuous operations. Even brief outages can result in thousands of dollars in lost revenue, spoiled products, or compromised security systems. A professionally installed generator provides immediate, automatic power transition, protecting your Santa Monica business from both financial losses and reputational damage.
What size backup generator does my Santa Monica commercial building need, and how do you determine the right capacity?+
Determining the right generator size requires a comprehensive electrical load study of your Santa Monica facility. Our licensed electricians analyze your peak power consumption, essential equipment requirements, and future growth plans. We examine everything from HVAC systems and refrigeration to computers and lighting. Most small commercial properties need 20-50 kW generators, while larger facilities may require 100 kW or more. We also consider whether you need whole-building coverage or just critical circuits. This analysis ensures you invest in a system that meets your needs without overpaying for unnecessary capacity.
Are there specific Santa Monica building codes or regulations that apply to commercial generator installations?+
Yes, commercial generator installations in Santa Monica must comply with California Title 24 energy codes, Los Angeles County regulations, and local Santa Monica municipal ordinances. Requirements include proper setback distances from property lines, noise level compliance (especially important in Santa Monica's mixed-use neighborhoods), emissions standards, and seismic anchoring specifications. Fuel storage also requires specific permits and containment measures. Shaffer Construction holds A, B, and C-10 contractor licenses and maintains current knowledge of all applicable codes. We handle the entire permitting process, coordinate required inspections, and ensure your installation passes all compliance reviews on the first attempt.
What ongoing maintenance does a commercial backup generator require, and do you offer service plans in Santa Monica?+
Commercial backup generators require regular maintenance to ensure reliability when you need them most. We recommend quarterly inspections that include oil and filter changes, battery testing, fuel system checks, and exercise runs under load. Annual maintenance should include more comprehensive testing of transfer switches, cooling systems, and electrical connections. Many Santa Monica businesses opt for our preventive maintenance agreements, which provide scheduled service visits, priority emergency response, and detailed maintenance logs for insurance and warranty purposes. Regular maintenance not only extends equipment life but also ensures your generator will start immediately during an actual power outage.
How quickly can Shaffer Construction start a commercial backup generator project in Santa Monica, and what's included in your free estimate?+
Most Santa Monica commercial generator projects can begin within one to two weeks of contract signing, depending on equipment availability and permitting timelines. However, the first step is always a complimentary, no-obligation site assessment and estimate. During this visit, our licensed electricians evaluate your electrical infrastructure, discuss your power needs and budget, review potential generator locations, and answer all your questions. We provide a detailed written proposal covering equipment specifications, installation scope, timeline expectations, and transparent pricing. To schedule your free estimate, call or text 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com. There's never any pressure, and we're happy to work with your decision-making timeline.
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